System and method for cleaning occluded water pipes in structures

ABSTRACT

A system and method for cleaning mineral build-up from the water pipes of a building. The system is attached to in-flow and out-flow orifices of a building, and two circuits, one including a cleaning solution, and a second including a rinsing solution, are alternatingly circulated through the building&#39;s water pipe network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of The Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to conduit cleaning systems andmethods, and to processes for cleaning water pipes occluded withminerals (calcium carbonate and manganese, for example).

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] Over the course of time, water pipes in homes and commercialestablishments alike can become partially, or effectively, completelyoccluded by mineral build-up. Clearly, this is more of a problem inareas having extremely “hard” water. Examples of such areas wouldinclude the San Antonio, Tex. area where, because of mineral build-up,pipes clog in a matter of a few years in the case of certain buildingsor dwellings, ice makers fail, and hot water heaters must be replacedfar more often than in other areas of the country, or even state.

[0005] Replacing all or part of the plumbing in a house or building isclearly expensive, and, in fact, simply cost prohibitive for many. Yet,replacement is precisely what will be required at some point, if mineralbuild-up is allowed to progress to a level that water pressure is at alevel below that required for daily needs.

[0006] It would well serve all property owners to provide some systemand/or method to reverse the mineral build-up that plagues hard waterarea residents. Ideally, such a system or method would remove all, or atleast much of a mineral build-up, without requiring actual, permanentplumbing modifications, access to pipes inside the dwelling orstructure, or the expenditure of significant time, money, or effort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a system for use in removing mineral build-ups inthe pipes and valves in a home or building's water system.

[0008] It is another object to provide a method for removing mineralbuild-ups in the pipes and valves in a home or building's water system.

[0009] It is another object to provide a system and method for usethereof in removing mineral build-ups in the pipes and valves in a homeor building's water system, which system and method can obviate the needfor pipe replacement caused by excessive mineral occlusion.

[0010] It is another object to provide a method for removing mineralbuild-ups in the pipes and valves in a home or building's water system,which method is more cost-effective, less time consuming, and less laborintensive than any current method for remediating mineral build-up inwater pipes.

[0011] In satisfaction of these and related objects, the presentinvention provides a system and method for cleaning (removing mineralbuild-ups) in water pipes of dwellings and other buildings. The systemand method does not require or involve, and, in fact, obviates in mostcases, the replacement of pipes as otherwise requires in absence of sucha system and method.

[0012] The present system, as will be discussed in more detail below,includes, at its most basic level, allows a two-stage process whereby acleaning solution is first circulated through a plumbing network,followed by a rinse and sanitation cycle. The process for using thepresent system, except for temporary removal of faucet strainers,disconnection of ice makers, and such other minor modifications,requires only outside connections or plumbing modifications at the watermeter site.

[0013] Periodic use of the present system and method can obviate theneed for thousands of dollars in plumbing repair costs, yet provideusers with water flow substantially equivalent to when the home orstructure on which the system and method is used was first constructed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the pipe cleaning systemof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, the pipe cleaning system of the presentinvention (shown in schematic format) is identified generally by thereference number 10. Generally speaking, use of system 10 involvescyclically forcing fluids (first a cleaning solution, then a rinsing andsanitation fluid) through a building's plumbing system for a time,followed by discarding each fluid.

[0016] The building to be treated is identified as 12, and the watermeter for such building is identified as 14.

[0017] System 10 includes a first holding tank 16 and a second holdingtank 18. A in-flow manifold 20 is attached to both tanks 16 and 18 nearthe top, upper end of each such tank. In-flow manifold 20 includes afirst manifold valve 22 which, depending on its on/off position, allowsor occludes flow into tank 16 through manifold 20, and a second manifoldvalve 24 which depending on its on/off position, allows or occludes flowinto tank 18 through manifold 20. Manifold 20 also is provided one ormore “site glasses” 21 through which a user can view fluid as it passesthrough system 10.

[0018] Sub-manifold 26 has one or more in-flow orifices 27 to which oneor more conduits 28 are attachable for (as will be explained in greaterdetail below) receiving flow from the treated building. Caps or plugs orvalves (not shown in the drawings) should be provided for stoppingunused in-flow orifices 27.

[0019] Sub-manifold 26 is in fluid communication with manifold 20, andliquid flowing into sub-manifold 26 through inflow-orifices 27 will flowinto either or both of tanks 16 or 18, if, respectively, valves 22and/or 24 are in their open positions.

[0020] Near, but not at, the bottom end of tanks 16 and 18 are,respectively, outflow orifices 28 and 30. Outflow valves 32 and 34,respectively, control flow from tanks 16 and 18 into outflow manifold38. In fluid communication with outflow manifold 38 is pump 40 (in thepreferred embodiment, a common 110 volt hot tub motor/pump is used).Pump 40 is positioned for taking flow from tanks 16 or 18 (throughoutflow manifold 38, as allowed by the positions of outflow valves 32and 34), and forcibly pumping any such fluid through an outflow conduit42 which, as will be discussed in more detail below, is attached so asto force liquids into a buildings plumbing system.

[0021] The arrangement described above will, as will be clear upon closereview, establish a fluid circuit which, assuming the various valves areproperly positioned as will be described below, and the pump 40 isactuated, cause fluid from one or the other of tanks 16 or 18 to enter abuilding 12 (either via water meter 14, or, if the water meter isdisconnected, through the lead-in conduit 44 which ordinarily carrieswater to the building 12). After passing through the building 12, waterwill return to system 10 (returning to tanks 16 and/or 18, depending onthe positions of valves 22 and 24) via a return conduit 46 which will bein fluid communication between a water outlet (such as an outside hosebib of a dwelling, for example) and the sub-manifold 26, where thecircuit can continue.

[0022] A discussion of the preferred method or process for cleaning thewater pipe network of a home or other building will now follow.

[0023] The preferred consumable materials required are: (1) Muriaticacid (hydrochloric acid at 20% solution) ; (2) Oxidizer (sodiumpercarbonate and sodium carbonate —conventional, swimming pool oxidizer,OXYCLEAN brand being an exemplary choice); and (3) “Shock” (such as HTHbrand swimming pool shock—sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione). Alternativeacid agents may be substituted for muriatic acid, including, but notlimited to, acetic acid (straight vinegar has been shown to work to somedegree) and an aqueous sulfamic acid solution, but one, in choosing anacid agent, must strike an acceptable compromise between handlingsafety, effect on plumbing components, and efficacy.

[0024] Once it has been determined that a building's water pipe systemis in need of cleaning, because of mineral build-up (such as bymeasuring water flow against an ideal standard), the user willdisconnect or otherwise isolate all ice makers, water softeners andwater filters, else they may become damaged by debris which is dislodgedduring the cleaning process. Outflow conduit 42 is next connected tobuilding 12's lead-in conduit 44, either via the intake side of watermeter 14, or preferably, directly, with the water meter having beendisconnected. Next, the user will attach as many in-flow conduits 46(usually, simple ⅝″ garden hoses) to in-flow orifices 27 as arerespectively available.

[0025] Next, fill tank 16 (both tanks 16 and 18 are 60 gallon tanks inthe preferred embodiment) to approximately a ⅔ full level, andsubstantially fill tank 18. Open all faucets, hose bibs, etc. to whichare attached in-flow conduit(s) 46. Move valves 22 and 32 to their openpositions (to place tank 16 in the fluid circuit) and actuate pump 40.Once a fluid circuit flow is confirmed, one adds three gallons ofmuriatic solution to tank 16, followed by ½ cup of oxidizer. As fluidfrom tank 16 flows through building 12, and re-entered tank 16, sedimentwill tend to settle at the bottom of tank 16 (it is for this reason,that outflow orifices 28 and 30 are situated near, but not at the bottomof tanks 16 and 18, so as not to pump sediment back through building12). Use of site glass 21 in the tank 16 circuit will confirm whensediment flow appears to have been exhausted. Experience teaches thatthe addition of oxidizer should be repeated, as above, every 20 minutes,until doing so produces no substantial, visible sediment flow. Whenmultiple in-flow conduits 46 are connected to sub-manifold 26, andvalves (not shown) are provided for selectively allowing flow intosystem 10 from the building 12, one may separately “flush” fluidcircuits which involve each of, for example, multiple hose bibs.

[0026] Once a user is satisfied that sediment has been adequatelyremoved, one opens bath tub and cloths washer faucets/valves and closesvalve 22 to prevent return of fluid to system 10, and to discharge fluidthrough building 12's ordinary sewer system. At this time, one shouldremove faucet and washer inlet screens, as well as shower heads forcleaning. After approximately a 20 minute run of the shower(s) and theclothes washer filling to approximately a ½ full level, and withapproximately ⅓ of tank 16's fluid remaining (in the treatment of afairly typical dwelling), one stops such flow, and opens all remainingsink faucets to exhaust substantially all remaining cleaning solutionfrom tank 16.

[0027] To begin the rinse phase of the present method, one opens valves24 and 30 (but keep sink faucets in building 12 open). When the water intank 18 is depleted by approximately ½ of its original volume, one addsone closes valve 24, adds one cup of “shock”, and allows all remainingrinse fluid from tank 18 to pass through building 12 and out its sewersystem as above with the tank 16 fluid circuit.

[0028] Once fluid from tank 16 is exhausted, water meter connections arerestored and screens, filters, ice makers, etc. are returned to theirnormal state.

[0029] The above-described system and method have, in experimental useto date, proven exceptionally effective in substantially reducingmineral build-up in substantially flow-impaired buildings, at costswhich are mere fractions of alternative methods. Water flow rates havebeen returned to levels present at the time of new construction.Therefore, the present system and method represents a substantialbenefit to property owners and residents in “hard water” areas.

[0030] It should be understood that certain modifications to the abovesystem will still produce a system and associated method of use whichare well within the scope of the present invention. For example,differing numbers and placements of valves may prove beneficial forcertain applications. Certainly different fluid volumes for tanks 16 and18 may be required for larger-than-normal buildings. Experience willteach that certain conditions require differing process times.Therefore, although the invention has been described with reference tospecific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in alimited sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, aswell as alternative embodiments of the inventions will become apparentto persons skilled in the art upon the reference to the description ofthe invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claimswill cover such modifications that fall within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for cleaning mineral build-up from a building'swater conduit network comprising: a first fluid tank; an in-flowmanifold having an in-flow orifice; a first manifold valve in fluidcommunication with said first fluid tank near a first end of said fluidtank and with said in-flow manifold, said first manifold valvecontrolling flow of fluid entering said in-flow manifold through saidin-flow orifice between said in-flow manifold and said first fluid tank;a first outflow orifice situated near a second end of said first fluidtank, said first outflow orifice being in fluid communication with afirst outflow valve which controls flow of fluid from said first fluidtank out through said first outflow orifice; a second fluid tank; asecond manifold valve in fluid communication with said second fluid tanknear an end of said second fluid tank and with said in-flow manifold,said second manifold valve controlling flow of fluid entering saidin-flow manifold through said in-flow orifice between said in-flowmanifold and said second fluid tank; a second outflow orifice situatednear a second end of said second fluid tank, said second outflow orificebeing in fluid communication with a second outflow valve which controlsflow of fluid from said second fluid tank out through said secondoutflow orifice; fluid pump means in fluid communication with said firstand said second outflow valves for receiving fluid from said firstand/or second fluid tanks; and outflow conduit means attached to saidfluid pump means configured for reversible attachment to a water pipesystem inlet of a building for receiving fluid flow from said firstand/or said second fluid tanks; in-flow conduit means in fluidcommunication with said inflow manifold, and configured for attachmentto water outflow means of said building, and when so attached, forreceiving effluent fluid into said system from said building, whicheffluent fluid entered said building through said outflow conduit means.2. A method for removing mineral build-up in a building's water pipenetwork comprising the steps of: selecting an apparatus for cleaningmineral build-up from a building's water conduit network comprising: afirst fluid tank; an in-flow manifold having an in-flow orifice; a firstmanifold valve in fluid communication with said first fluid tank near afirst end of said fluid tank and with said in-flow manifold, said firstmanifold valve controlling flow of fluid entering said in-flow manifoldthrough said inflow orifice between said in-flow manifold and said firstfluid tank; a first outflow orifice situated near a second end of saidfirst fluid tank, said first outflow orifice being in fluidcommunication with a first outflow valve which controls flow of fluidfrom said first fluid tank out through said first outflow orifice; asecond fluid tank; a second manifold valve in fluid communication withsaid second fluid tank near an end of said second fluid tank and withsaid in-flow manifold, said second manifold valve controlling flow offluid entering said in-flow manifold through said in-flow orificebetween said in-flow manifold and said second fluid tank; a secondoutflow orifice situated near a second end of said second fluid tank,said second outflow orifice being in fluid communication with a secondoutflow valve which controls flow of fluid from said second fluid tankout through said second outflow orifice; fluid pump means in fluidcommunication with said first and said second outflow valves forreceiving fluid from said first and/or second fluid tanks; and outflowconduit means attached to said fluid pump means configured forreversible attachment to a water pipe system inlet of a building forreceiving fluid flow from said first and/or said second fluid tanks;in-flow conduit means in fluid communication with said inflow manifold,and configured for attachment to water outflow means of said building,and when so attached, for receiving effluent fluid into said system fromsaid building, which effluent fluid entered said building through saidoutflow conduit means; placing in said first fluid tank a cleaningsolution; placing in said second fluid tank a rinsing solution;connecting said outflow conduit means to said water pipe system inlet ofsaid building; connecting said in-flow conduit means to said wateroutflow means of said building; opening said first manifold valve andsaid first outflow valve; actuating said pump means; after circulatingsaid cleaning solution through said building at least one circuit,closing said first manifold valve and said first outflow valve; andopening said second manifold valve and said second outflow valve.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 wherein said cleaning solution contains an effectivemeasure of an acid agent for reacting with, and removing mineralconstituents of said mineral build-up.